Rokia Koné ^【MLI】

Rokia Koné, famously known as the Rose of Bamako, possesses a voice that instantly captivates – pure, clear, and true – soaring above bass, synths, traditional percussion, and infectious Mande guitar grooves. For anyone in Mali, West Africa, her voice is instantly familiar, a stop-you-in-your-tracks sound.

As one of Mali’s most beloved and dynamic artists, Koné is a true force of nature. Her live performances, often lasting for hours in Bamako’s local maquis clubs, are a profound journey through the full spectrum of human emotion. With astounding grace and power, Koné masterfully wields her voice, traversing from joy to despair, and from fury to tenderness. The atmosphere she creates is immersive and deeply moving, a testament to her ability to connect souls through sound.

At its heart, Koné’s music, notably showcased in her debut album BAMANAN, pays tribute to the Bambara people of southern Mali—their language, culture, and practices. She draws deep inspiration from the hereditary griots, the praise singers vital to the fabric of Malian society. It is the role of the griot to perpetuate the tradition, says Koné. To remind us of our origins, our culture.